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"...since you are using a GFCI outlet/breaker (you are using one right?)"

No I'm not actually, you called me out. I did install them in my kitchen and bathroom and I did read several advisories to use one for aquariums but I just ignored it. I do use drip loops though. You did however inspire me to search for these things which are about the same cost as the hardwired versions so maybe I'll budget this in for all my aquariums: http://www.amazon.com/TRC-90033-Shoc...ords=gfci+plug
But this thought is a total drag since I have 6 aquariums. Thanks a lot.

And OVT,
I think the timer you posted is something like what I will have to go with, WalMart also has some analog timers with the plug coming straight down from the bottom which I might go with but I was hoping to find digital ones with battery backup.

What would be ideal is one timer that controls 4-6 outlets independently. Why does this not seem to exist?

You could also use a GFCI breaker, if all or several of your aquariums are on the same breaker. A GFCI breaker will protect all outlets on that breaker/circuit, so depending on how your house is laid out that might be good or bad, sometimes it can lead to false tripping if you are using certain types of appliance on the same circuit.

Those timers can be found for ~$5 on the web. A battery will only help to save the programming, not power the timer , an analog timer will keep its settings regardless. I'm using 3 of the above with minimal issues.

But if power goes down time will be wrong. Mine seem to always wind up in the most inconvenient places for a reset. During DST my lights just come on later and turn off later.

And OVT,
I think the timer you posted is something like what I will have to go with, WalMart also has some analog timers with the plug coming straight down from the bottom which I might go with but I was hoping to find digital ones with battery backup.

Those timers can be found for ~$5 on the web. A battery will only help to save the programming, not power the timer , an analog timer will keep it's settings regardless. I'm using 3 of the above with minimal issues.

"...since you are using a GFCI outlet/breaker (you are using one right?)"

No I'm not actually, you called me out. I did install them in my kitchen and bathroom and I did read several advisories to use one for aquariums but I just ignored it. I do use drip loops though. You did however inspire me to search for these things which are about the same cost as the hardwired versions so maybe I'll budget this in for all my aquariums: http://www.amazon.com/TRC-90033-Shoc...ords=gfci+plug
But this thought is a total drag since I have 6 aquariums. Thanks a lot.

I got the same GFCI plug off ebay for less.

01-05-2013 03:32 PM

thesawguy

"...since you are using a GFCI outlet/breaker (you are using one right?)"

No I'm not actually, you called me out. I did install them in my kitchen and bathroom and I did read several advisories to use one for aquariums but I just ignored it. I do use drip loops though. You did however inspire me to search for these things which are about the same cost as the hardwired versions so maybe I'll budget this in for all my aquariums: http://www.amazon.com/TRC-90033-Shoc...ords=gfci+plug
But this thought is a total drag since I have 6 aquariums. Thanks a lot.

And OVT,
I think the timer you posted is something like what I will have to go with, WalMart also has some analog timers with the plug coming straight down from the bottom which I might go with but I was hoping to find digital ones with battery backup.

What would be ideal is one timer that controls 4-6 outlets independently. Why does this not seem to exist?

"My personal search still continues - I still cannot find anything that I like for < $200 "

Is that what you mean that you are looking for too? If so keep me posted on any promising leads.

01-05-2013 08:11 AM

Bluek24a4

Thesawguy, I don't know if this would fit in with what you're looking for exactly, but it has worked very well for me:

They are ~ 2 5/8" at the widest point.
My personal search still continues - I still cannot find anything that I like for < $200

01-05-2013 06:13 AM

blink

Metal power strips are great, IMO, much safer than the plastic ones. I've heard of plenty of plastic strips failing, mostly due to poor connections which overheat and melt or burn the plastic but the metal ones seem to be much better built and not prone to the same problem... they might short out in a similar situation but since you are using a GFCI outlet/breaker (you are using one right?) it isn't really a big issue.

I saw somewhere on here that someone had a horizontal power strip with the plugs sideways so that they would be up and down when the stip was horizontal and they were spaced a few inches a part. Perfect for mounting across the top of the inside of a stand with multiple timers. Where can I find such a thing? I'd love something about 24" long with 6-8 plugs.

I've got one of those, but there is no branding on it. This one has seven outlets so the spacing works for three timers. If anyone finds a specific model, I'd like to get a spare.

Home Depot caries a Belkin 10 outlet power strip. The case is metal and it runs about $30.00. I use those for multiple computer setups.

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